Manchester City host Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday, as second will face third in the league table.
City are four points behind the Foxes in the league, while Leicester are 10 points behind leaders Liverpool.
The last time Manchester City and Leicester City faced off at Etihad Stadium, the hosts won the game 1-0.
Manchester City have been on a tricky run, losing two of their last six Premier League games, against Liverpool and Manchester United, while drawing against Newcastle United.
Leicester City, meanwhile, have not lost since the first week of October in the league, with their defeat coming against Liverpool.
Let’s take a look at the 3 key battles between Manchester City and Leicester City:
#1 Kevin De Bruyne vs Wilfred Ndidi
Kevin De Bruyne is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, or even the best in the world. The Belgian has been in spectacular form this season, scoring 6 goals and managing 9 assists in 16 appearances in the league.
The Manchester City midfielder will be up against one of the best defensive midfielders in the league – Wilfred Ndidi.
Ndidi’s energy, work-rate, tackling, and interceptions have allowed Leicester’s other midfielders and attackers to bomb forward, offering a great insurance policy to the rest.
Leicester will have to stop De Bruyne if they stand any chance of winning against the defending champions, while Pep Guardiola’s men will have to route balls through De Bruyne to cause problems to the Leicester defence.
#2 Jamie Vardy vs Nicolas Otamendi
Jamie Vardy is the leading goalscorer in the league this season with 16 goals in the season so far.
His pace and movement have caused problems to several defences, and he could have some joy against a weak Manchester City backline.
The Manchester City backline will have veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi in their ranks, who hasn’t looked very assured this season. Leicester City could target the Argentine defender by playing early passes to Vardy.
#3 James Maddison vs Rodrigo
Leicester City’s defence has been their trump card this season as they have conceded the least goals in the league. But, it’s also players like James Maddison who have got them to the position that they are in.
While many see Maddison as a player who offers a lot in attack, it’s his aggression without the ball that has been impressive as well.
He will face off against Manchester City defensive midfielder Rodrigo, who has slowly found his feet in the league.
Rodrigo could be tasked with stopping Maddison from getting on the ball, and not allowing him time and space to turn and make key passes.
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